Subject:
Title
Resolution delegating authority for the County Administrator to approve and execute agreements to initiate Intergovernmental Transfers for the Medicaid Low Income Pool Program and similar programs to expand healthcare services within the community.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt the resolution delegating authority to the County Administrator to approve and execute necessary agreements with the state and with local partners to initiate Intergovernmental Transfers (IGTs) as appropriate for the Medicaid Low Income Pool Program (LIP) and similar programs to expand healthcare services in Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) and in each fiscal year beyond.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Service to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
Pinellas County continues to seek opportunities to assist local hospital and healthcare partners in maximizing revenues while serving our most needy citizens. This funding, entitled Medicaid Low Income Pool, allows local governments to increase certain Medicaid hospital and other healthcare provider payments by providing the required State Medicaid Assistance Percentage (SMAP) through Intergovernmental Transfers (IGTs). The source of SMAP must be locally generated tax dollars.
Based on the turnaround time of IGT agreements for LIP and similar programs, delegated authority has been previously granted to the County Administrator for up to $10.1 million. Under delegated authority for FY17, IGTs in the amount of $2,233,192.00 have been executed on behalf of local partners.
In anticipation of continued opportunities to participate in IGT partnerships on behalf of local partners, and recognizing the short timeframes for related agreements, Human Services is seeking delegated authority to the County Administrator to execute necessary IGT agreements in FY18 and in future years when available.
Background Information:
The County’s investment in IGTs in FY15 and FY17 significantly enhanced local revenues for partnering hospitals. To date for FY17, available IGTs have been executed in the amount of $2,233,192.00. It is important to note that there were no local opportunities for IGTs in FY16. Human Services anticipates ongoing opportunities to work with local hospitals and other eligible healthcare providers on IGTs to benefit local healthcare resources and access to care. In order to be able to react quickly to the short turnaround times and needs of the program, the Department is requesting the County Administrator be delegated the authority to execute necessary agreements with the state and local partners to initiate IGTs.
Moving forward, Human Services will work with local hospital and eligible healthcare partners to prepare for and identify IGT opportunities. Future IGT approvals by the County Administrator will be included on the non-procurement receipt and file report. A sample state LOA agreement is attached for reference, however, local partner agreements for IGTs will be drafted by the County Attorney’s Office.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding under this program is an investment of Human Service funds included the in FY18 appropriation request and available for possible IGTs. The investment returns to the County in the form of expanded community health services. Additional hospital and other healthcare provider revenues are anticipated for local investments, however, estimates will depend on the level and opportunity to participate.
Ongoing funding will be dependent upon future Human Services budget appropriations.
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director, Human Services
Partners:
State of Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration
BayCare Health System
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
Florida Hospital North Pinellas
HCA of West Florida
Eligible Local Healthcare Providers
Attachments:
Proposed Resolution
Sample LIP Agreement